摘要信息：研究目标： 评价急性A型主动脉夹层术前低氧血症(PaO2/FiO2≤300mmHg)患者术中应用西维来司他钠缩短术后有创机械通气的有效性和安全性。 研究设计类型、原则与实施方法 总体设计 单中心、安慰剂、双盲、随机平行对照研究。 本研究计划纳入30例急性A型主动脉夹层术前低氧血症(PaO2/FiO2≤300mmHg)患者，受试者按照1:1的比例随机分配至试验组或对照组，分别接受西维来司他钠组与安慰剂组，评价西维来司他钠缩短术后有创机械通气时间。 评价指标 主要终点指标 有创机械通气时间（小时）：从有创机械通气开始至第一次成功拔除气管插管的持续时间。第一次成功拔除气管插管定义为拔除气管插管后患者能够自主呼吸超过48小时。 次要终点指标 全部有创机械通气情况（模式和时间）、全部无创机械通气情况（模式和时间）、全部高流量吸氧情况（流量和时间）。 氧合指数及其曲线下面积、PaO2/FiO2≤300mmHg持续时间（小时）、急性肺损伤、呼吸机相关肺炎、Murray肺损伤评分。 术后ICU滞留时间（天）、术后住院时间（天）、APACHE II评分、SOFA评分。 围术期死亡、脑卒中、截瘫、暂时性神经系统功能不全、癫痫、急性肾损伤、感染、心律失常、心脏骤停、急性胰腺炎、消化道出血、术中、术后输注血制品的情况（种类和数量）。 血流动力学指标、实验室检查指标、影像学指标、卫生经济学指标。 28天无呼吸机时间（天）、术后28天的全因死亡、28天内氧疗、无创机械通气、有创机械通气、俯卧位通气、吸入一氧化碳治疗。 安全性指标 急性肝功能损伤、黄疸、白细胞减少、中性粒细胞减少、血小板减少等不良事件发生情况。 实验室检查（血常规、血生化）

摘要信息：研究名称：西维来司他钠治疗ARDS患者的前瞻性、多中心真实世界研究 研究目的：1）在真实临床环境中评价西维来司他钠治疗ARDS的临床疗效及安全性；2）观察经西维来司他钠治疗后，ARDS患者血清炎症指标的变化；3）评价西维来司他钠治疗ARDS的药物经济学价值。 研究设计：前瞻性、多中心真实世界研究 受试人群：ARDS患者 入选标准： 1）男女不限，75岁≥年龄≥18岁； 2）符合ARDS 2023年全球新定义诊断标准（见附录1）； a．危险因素和肺水肿来源：由急性风险因素引发，如肺炎、非肺部感染、创伤、输血、误吸或休克。肺水肿不完全或主要归因于心源性肺水肿/液体超负荷，低氧血症/气体交换异常也不主要归因于肺不张。然而，如果存在ARDS的易感风险因素，则可以在存在这些条件的情况下诊断ARDS。 b．时机：在危险因素预估出现或出现新的或恶化的呼吸道症状的1周内，低氧性呼吸衰竭急性发作或恶化。 c．胸部成像：胸片和CT上双侧阴影，或超声双侧B线和/或实变，不能完全用积液、肺不张或结节/肿块来解释。 适用于特定ARDS类别的诊断标准： a.非插管ARDS：PaO2/FiO2≤300 mmHg 或 SpO2/FiO2≤315（如果SpO2≤97%），使用HFNO时氧流量≥30L/min 或 NIV/CPAP呼吸压力5cm H2O； b.插管ARDS：轻度：200<PaO2/FiO2≤300 或235≤SpO2/FiO2≤315（如果SpO2≤97%）；中度：100<PaO2/FiO2≤200 或148<SpO2/FiO2≤235（如果SpO2≤97%）；重度：PaO2/FiO2≤100 或SpO2/FiO2≤148（如果SpO2≤97%）； c.资源有限环境下的ARDS：SpO2/FiO2≤315（如果SpO2≤97%）。在资源有限的情况下，诊断不需要呼气末正压或最小氧流量。 注：诊断标准尽量使用前两种定义（即a和b），且以血气分析为标准（呼吸支持后至少15min，病人状态相对稳定、呼吸机正常运行时进行血气测量）。 3）能够在ARDS发病时间72小时内给药的患者； 4）能够理解和遵守协议要求，自愿参加本研究，签署知情同意书； 排除标准： 1）同时参与其他探索性临床研究的患者； 2）妊娠期、哺乳期女性或可能处于妊娠中的女性； 3）患者或家属拒绝签署知情同意书； 4）对实验药物过敏； 5）严重慢性呼吸系统疾病：自身免疫性疾病累及肺、存在慢性呼吸衰竭，如中重度慢性阻塞性肺疾病（FEV1＜70%pred 或临床判断有明显气道阻塞性疾病），支气管扩张或肺间质纤维化（面积达 20%以上肺容积）；膈肌或呼吸肌无力病人； 6）肿瘤晚期或恶病质的患者（预期生存期不超过3月）； 7）颅内高压、脑疝、深昏迷的患者； 退出标准： 研究期间，出现下述情况时，视为脱落病例： 1）试验过程中病人或家属主动要求退出者； 2）联用血必净或乌司他丁等其他抗炎药物的患者视为方案违背，需剔除 疗程不足7天或病人死亡/自动出院（患者病情加重，要求自动出院，且预计出院后48h内死亡）。 如果患者决定退出试验，研究者应尽可能获知原因，并记录在病例报告表上。患者自愿提前退出试验或者研究者按照上述标准剔除患者时，必须对他 进行评估。如果患者是因为检查过程中不良事件、异常的检查数据而退出试验，这些也必须记录在表上。 样本量：（计算过程）5000例。 试验药品：注射用西维来司他钠 治疗措施：所有符合纳入标准而不符合排除标准，且签署了西维来司他钠方案登记研究书面知情同意的患者，将被筛选入组，在ARDS标准治疗基础上，临床医生可自行选择是否给予西维来司他钠静脉应用。 用法用量：建议在发病后24～72h内开始使用。根据患者体质量，将24h剂量（4.8mg/kg）用250～500ml生理盐水稀释，24h持续静脉给药（相当于0.2mg·kg-1·h-1）或将24h剂量西维来司他钠（4.8mg/kg）用生理盐水溶解，采用50ml注射器吸取药液并补充至总体积48ml，用静脉滴注微量泵设置给药流率为2mL/h，24h恒速输注完毕；亦可将每日剂量分3次配置，持续静脉滴注。连续用药时间最短为7天，最长为14天。接受西维来司他钠治疗期间，不终止或影响患者原本治疗方案。 基础治疗：ARDS标准治疗（小潮气量肺保护通气、合适水平的PEEP、肺复张及俯卧位通气）等。 观察期: 28天。 疗效终点： 主要观察指标：28天内无机械通气时间 次要观察指标: 关键次要终点： 1） ARDS患者28天病死率（关键次要终点） 2） 肺部影像学指标：Murray肺损伤评分（可考虑更换）；临床肺部感染评分（CPIS）（见附录3）（自动评分）（关键次要终点）； 其他次要终点： 2）接受西维来司他钠治疗后患者第7天的氧合指数（PaO2/FiO2）（关键次要终点） 炎症指标：血液中WBC、NLR、CRP、PCT、IL-6； 3）呼吸力学指标：治疗第7天时肺顺应性改善；平台压、驱动压、潮气量同步记录（小潮气量肺保护通气亚组分析） 4）呼吸支持：治疗7天（待确定）时非插管ARDS患者插管率； 4）ARDS总体转归：ICU住院天数、总住院天数、ICU病死率、院内病死率、28天病死率。 5）治疗开始前及结束时的SOFA评分（附录6）、APACHE Ⅱ评分（附录2） 安全性终点：药物相关的不良事件： 1、 肝功能异常。表现为门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)升高，碱性磷酸酶(ALP)升高，胆红素升高，乳酸脱氢酶升高等； 2、 肾功能异常。表现为血清肌酐（Cr）升高，血尿素氮（BUN）升高，多尿、尿蛋白升高等； 3、 白细胞减少，嗜酸性粒细胞升高，血小板减少等； 4、 与西维来司他钠用药相关的呼吸困难、过敏反应等。

摘要信息：本研究经伦理委员会同意，并取得家属授权。 1、创伤相关急性肺损伤患者筛选：①明确因外伤入住创伤中心的患者；②Pa02／Fi02≤300mmHg者，无论是否需要机械通气；③胸部影像学为渗出性改变，除外心功能不全者。排除不符合条件患者。拟纳入90名急性肺损伤患者。 2、实验分组：根据患者胸部创伤严重（thoracic trauma severity，TTS）评分，将急性肺损伤患者分为轻、中、重三组。TTS是根据患者动脉氧分压（partial pressure of oxygen，PaO2）/ 吸氧浓度（fraction of inhaled oxygen，FiO2）、肋骨骨折数量及是否有连枷胸、肺挫伤受累程度、胸腔受累情况、年龄 5 个方面，按照严重程度进行评分，最低分为 0 分，最高分为 25 分。轻度损伤组（L）：≤5分；中度损伤组（M）：5分＜中≤15分；重度损伤组（S）：＞15分，每组各30名患者，分别对其进行治疗干预。 其中，轻度损伤组分为西维来司他钠治疗组（LX）和激素治疗组（LJ）；中度损伤组分为西维来司他钠治疗组（MX）、激素治疗组（MJ）和联合治疗组（MXJ）；重度损伤组分为西维来司他钠治疗组（SX）、激素治疗组（SJ）和联合治疗组（SXJ）；轻度组每组为15名患者，中重度每组均为10名患者。其中重度损伤SX组纳入为激素应用有禁忌症或家属不同意应用的患者。 3、药物及呼吸机条件 3.1西维来司他钠用法用量：4.8mg/Kg，250ml生理盐水稀释，静脉滴注，给药7-14天，根据肺部影像调整疗程。 3.2激素用法用量：甲泼尼龙40-80mg，每日两次，250ml生理盐水稀释，静脉滴注，给药7天，根据肺部影像调整疗程。 3.3呼吸机的支持条件：FiO2＜80%，PEEP≤6cmH2o，无论自主呼吸或机控。 4、样本留取及检测 4.1 样本留取：分别于治疗开始后的不同时间点留取患者血清学样本，并行床头纤维支气管镜，留取支气管及肺泡分泌物灌洗液样本。 4.2血清学检测：在不同时间点取患者血清学样本，行炎症标记物检测，测定血清中主要炎症因子含量及变化。 4.3分子生物学检测：在不同时间点取患者支气管肺泡灌洗液样本，用分子生物学方法检测灌洗液组织中的主要炎症因子以及其下游因子，肺水肿与纤维化等相关因子的表达水平。 5、综合患者的肺部影像学变化，血清学炎症因子水平，支气管肺泡灌洗液炎症、水肿、纤维化因子水平的所有实验结果，得到西维来司他钠和甲泼尼龙对不同严重程度的创伤性急性肺损伤的治疗效果。

摘要信息：研究题目：注射用西维来司他钠和地塞米松治疗不同病因ARDS的（STAR）疗效和安全性：一项前瞻性、多中心、双盲、双模拟随机对照临床研究的预实验 研究目的： 比较注射用西维来司他钠与常规治疗组之间治疗中重度ARDS患者的临床疗效（随机后28天内VFD） 比较地塞米松与常规治疗组之间治疗中重度ARDS患者的临床疗效（随机后28天内VFD） 研究设计： 前瞻性、多中心、双盲、双模拟随机对照试验，根据疾病严重程度（PaO2/FiO2 >100 mmHg vs. PaO2/FiO2 ≤100 mmHg）分层，采用中央随机系统进行分层区组随机，以1:1:1比例将中重度ARDS患者随机分入西维来司他钠治疗组（西维来司他钠+地塞米松安慰剂）、地塞米松治疗组（地塞米松+西维来司他钠安慰剂）或常规治疗组（西维来司他钠安慰剂+地塞米松安慰剂）。 研究人群： 纳入标准：（1）年龄≥18岁；（2）处于急性发作期的中重度ARDS患者，符合中重度ARDS诊断标准：①由急性风险因素引发，如肺炎、非肺部感染、创伤、输血、误吸或休克。肺水肿不完全或主要归因于心源性肺水肿/液体超负荷，低氧血症/气体交换异常也不主要归因于肺不张。然而，如果存在ARDS的易感风险因素，则可以在存在这些条件的情况下诊断ARDS。②在危险因素预估出现或出现新的或恶化的呼吸道症状的1周内，低氧性呼吸衰竭急性发作或恶化。③胸片和CT上双侧阴影，或超声双侧B线和/或实变，不能完全用积液、肺不张或结节/肿块来解释。④PaO2/FiO2 ≤200 mm Hg或SpO2/FiO2≤235（如果SpO2≤97%）。（3）中重度ARDS发作后72小时内接受气管插管机械通气；（4）ARDS发作到随机分组在72小时以内（以病历记录的发作时间为起始点);（5）本人或家属自愿参加研究，并签署知情同意书。 排除标准：妊娠期或哺乳期；脑死亡；晚期癌症或其它终末期疾病；西维来司他钠或地塞米松过敏史；严重慢性阻塞性肺病；严重心脑血管疾病病史，如心力衰竭、未控的冠心病、心肌病、未控的心律失常、未控的高血压或既往半年内的心梗或脑梗病史；器官移植或异体干细胞移植者；致命性活动性真菌感染；患有影响自主呼吸的神经肌肉疾病；遗传性或获得性严重免疫缺陷，如人类免疫缺陷病毒(human immunodeficiency virus，HIV)感染、慢性肉芽肿性疾病、严重联合免疫缺陷；患者和(或)法定代理人签署不抢救预嘱，或放弃治疗者；正在参加其他临床试验者。 样本量： 本研究采用适应性研究设计，第一阶段拟计划入组研究对象300例，每组各100例。第一阶段研究结束后进行一次期中分析，根据期中分析结果决定最终的干预组别（西维来司他钠组和/或地塞米松组），并根据样本参数重新计算本研究的最终样本量。 干预措施： 患者随机分为3组：西维来司他钠治疗组（西维来司他钠+地塞米松安慰剂）、地塞米松治疗组（地塞米松+西维来司他钠安慰剂）或常规治疗组（西维来司他钠安慰剂+地塞米松安慰剂） 用法用量：西维来司他钠/西维来司他钠安慰剂：4.8mg/kg/d，静脉持续输注14天或至转出ICU当天（14天内）；地塞米松/地塞米松安慰剂: 10mg，从第1天至第5天每天静脉注射一次，或持续给药至患者拔管（5天内）。 三组研究对象均接受常规治疗，按照重症诊疗指南接受支持性的基础治疗，不作严格限定。由主治医师根据患者临床情况决定合适的脱机时机。三组患者每天通过ARDSnet方案的自主呼吸试验评估脱机指征，在FiO2≤0.5时仍可维持适当的氧合状态，如果没有特殊的原因即可拔管。 其他干预措施：在脓毒性休克的情况下，允许使用应激剂量的皮质类固醇，以氢化可的松的形式，每日剂量≤300 mg；以下免疫调节剂不允许使用:血必净、乌司他丁、胸腺肽、IVIG；支持性管理没有严格控制，但要求工作人员遵循标准指导方针。 随机化过程： 根据疾病严重程度（PaO2/FiO2 >100 mmHg vs. PaO2/FiO2 ≤100 mmHg）分层，采用中央随机系统进行分层区组随机，以1:1:1比例随机分入三组，随访1个月。 盲法： 本试验采用双盲双模拟的方法实施研究，即研究者和研究对象均不知晓所接受干预情况。 观察指标： 1. 主要结局指标：随机后28天内无机械通气时间（VFD），最后一次成功拔管至随机后28天的时间间隔。 2. 主要临床研究过程指标：知情同意率、招募率、招募合格率、方案依从性和随访完成情况。 3. 次要结局指标：28天内病死率，90天内病死率，28天内ICU停留时间，28天内住院时间，28天内无器官支持天数，肺损伤评分，SOFA评分，生物标志物（CRP、IL-6、IL-8、PCT、NLR），血浆和支气管肺泡灌洗液（bronchoalveolar lavage fluid，BALF）中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶（NE）浓度，新发菌感染率（医生判断），二次插管率。 4. 安全性指标：治疗期间发生的不良事件及严重不良事件。

摘要信息：Purpose:Several reports indicate that a neutrophil elastase inhibitor, sivelestat, may have prophylactic efficacy against a systemic inflammatory response after cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We evaluated the clinical pulmonary and cardiac effects of sivelestat. Methods:We performed a retrospective study of 25 pediatric patients who underwent elective cardiovascular surgery with CPB for ventricular septal defect with pulmonary hypertension. Ten patients received 0.2 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) sivelestat; the other is patients were the control group. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups. The P(a)O(2)/fractional inspired oxygen (F(I)O(2); P/F) ratio, the respiratory index (RI), and the fractional area change (FAC) of the left ventricle (LV) in the postoperative course were measured. Results:The P/F ratio was higher in the sivelestat group compared with the control group and there were significant differences between the two groups immediately after weaning form CPB, and at 12 h after weaning from CPB (P < 0.05). The RI was lower in the sivelestat group compared with the control group and there were significant differences between the two groups at immediately after weaning from CPB, and at 6 h and 12 h after CPB (P < 0.05). The FAC of the LV was significantly better in the sivelestat group and there was a significant difference between the two groups on postoperative day (POD) 3 (P < 0.05). Conclusion:We have shown that pediatric patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery with CPB who received sivelestat had a higher P/F ratio, a lower RI, and better FAC of the LV in the postoperative course.

摘要信息：Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) elicits a systemic inflammatory response. Our previous reports revealed that prophylactic sivelestat administration at CPB initiation suppresses the postoperative acute inflammatory response due to CPB in pediatric cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sivelestat administration before CPB and at CPB initiation in patients undergoing pediatric open-heart surgery. Twenty consecutive patients weighing 5-10 kg and undergoing ventricular septal defect closure with CPB were divided into pre-CPB (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. Patients in the pre-CPB group received a 24 h continuous intravenous infusion of 0.2 mg/kg/h sivelestat starting at the induction of anesthesia and an additional 0.1 mg/100 mL during CPB priming. Patients in the control group received a 24-h continuous intravenous infusion of 0.2 mg/kg/h sivelestat starting at the commencement of CPB. Blood samples were tested. Clinical variables including blood loss, water balance, systemic vascular resistance index, and the ratio between partial pressure of oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F ratio) were assessed. White blood cell count and neutrophil count as well as C-reactive protein levels were significantly lower in the pre-CPB group according to repeated two-way analysis of variance, whereas platelet count was significantly higher. During CPB, mixed venous oxygen saturation remained significantly higher and lactate levels lower in the pre-CPB group. Postoperative alanine aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen levels were significantly lower in the pre-CPB group than in the control group. The P/F ratio was significantly higher in the pre-CPB group than in the control group. Fluid load requirement was significantly lower in the pre-CPB group.Administration of sivelestat before CPB initiation is more effective than administration at initiation for the suppression of inflammatory responses due to CPB in pediatric open-heart surgery, with this effect being confirmed by clinical evidence.

摘要信息：Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) evokes activation of a systemic inflammatory response. Sivelestat has been used clinically to treat acute lung injury associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. This prospective, doubleblind, randomized study was designed to evaluate the effects of sivelestat in the perioperative period of elective pediatric open-heart surgery with CPB. Twenty-six consecutive pediatric patients weighing between 5 and 10 kg and undergoing open-heart surgery with CPB were divided into a sivelestat group (n = 13) and a control group (n = 13). The patients in the sivelestat group were administered a continuous intravenous infusion of 0.2 mg/kg/hour of sivelestat, and the patients in the control group were administered the same volume of 0.9% saline from the initiation of CPB to 24 hours after surgery. Blood samples were drawn for the measurement of cytokines, polymorphonuclear elastase (PMN-E), white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil count (NC), and C-reactive protein (CRP). There were no significant differences in cytokine data between the two groups. The peak PMN-E and WBC levels were significantly increased in the control group (P = 0.049, P = 0.039). The WBC and NC levels immediately after surgery in the control group were significantly greater than those in the sivelestat group (P = 0.049, P = 0.044). The peak CRP level in the control group was significantly greater than the sivelestat group (P = 0.04), and the CRP level on postoperative day 4 in the control group was significantly greater than in the sivelestat group (P = 0.014). This study showed that sivelestat attenuates the perioperative inflammatory response in pediatric heart surgery with CPB.

摘要信息：Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) elicits a systemic inflammatory response. The neutrophil elastase inhibitor sivelestat is known to suppress this systemic inflammatory response, which can eventually result in acute organ failure. The prophylactic effect of sivelestat on acute lung injury, especially in pediatric cardiac surgery, remains unclear. This prospective double-blind, randomized study evaluated the perioperative prophylactic effect of sivelestat in patients undergoing elective pediatric open heart surgery with CPB. Thirty consecutive patients, weighing 5-10 kg and undergoing open heart surgery with CPB, were assigned to sivelestat (n = 15) or control (n = 15) groups. From CPB initiation to 24 h after surgery, patients in the sivelestat group received a continuous intravenous infusion of 0.2 mg/kg/h sivelestat, whereas patients in the control group received the same volume of 0.9% saline. Blood samples were collected, and levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha, polymorphonuclear elastase (PMN-E), C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as the white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, and neutrophil count (NC) were measured. PMN-E levels, IL-8 levels, WBC count, NC, and CRP levels were significantly lower, and platelet count was significantly higher in the sivelestat group, according to repeated two-way analysis of variance. The activated coagulation time was significantly shorter in the sivelestat group, similarly, blood loss was significantly less in the sivelestat group. In conclusion, Sivelestat attenuates perioperative inflammatory response and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing pediatric heart surgery with CPB.

摘要信息：Background:Neutrophil infiltration plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury following liver transplantation (LT). Neutrophil elastase is released from neutrophils during pulmonary polymorphonuclear neutrophil activation and sequestration. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the inhibition of neutrophil elastase could lead to the restoration of pulmonary function following LT. Methods:In in vivo experiments, lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected at 2, 4, 8, and 24 h after rats were subjected to orthotopic autologous LT (OALT), and neutrophil infiltration was detected. Next, neutrophil elastase inhibitors, sivelestat sodium hydrate (exogenous) and serpin family B member 1 (SERPINB1) (endogenous), were administered to rats before OALT, and neutrophil infiltration, pulmonary oxidative stress, and barrier function were measured at 8 h after OALT. Results:Obvious neutrophil infiltration occurred from 2 h and peaked at 8 h in the lungs of rats after they were subjected to OALT, as evidenced by an increase in naphthol-positive cells, BALF neutrophil elastase activity, and lung myeloperoxidase activity. Treatment with neutrophil elastase inhibitors, either sivelestat sodium hydrate or SERPINB1, effectively reduced lung naphthol-positive cells and BALF inflammatory cell content, increased expression of lung HO-1 and tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin, and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase. Conclusion:Neutrophil elastase inhibitors, sivelestat sodium hydrate and SERPINB1, both reduced lung neutrophil infiltration and pulmonary oxidative stress and finally restored pulmonary barrier function.

摘要信息：The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sivelestat sodium hydrate, a selective inhibitor of neutrophil elastase in the systemic inflammatory response, pulmonary function, and the postoperative clinical course following esophagectomy. Patients with hypoxia associated with surgical stress in the intensive care unit (ICU) immediately after an esophagectomy were eligible for this study. The degree of hypoxia was calculated according to the ratio of arterial oxygen tension (PaO(2)) to the fractional concentration of inspired oxygen (FiO(2))-PaO(2)/FiO(2). Patients with PaO(2)/FiO(2) < 300 mmHg were enrolled in this study. Seven patients were treated with sivelestat, and 10 were not so treated. The degree of hypoxia, the criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and the postoperative clinical course were compared between the two groups. The postoperative decreases in the PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio were significantly suppressed in the sivelestat group (p < 0.05, by analysis of variance, or ANOVA). Furthermore, 9 of the 10 control group patients developed SIRS on postoperative day 2, whereas only 2 of 7 of the sivelestat group patients developed SIRS (p < 0.05). The postoperative increases in the heart rate were significantly suppressed in the sivelestat group (p < 0.05, ANOVA). The postoperative decreases in the platelet counts were significantly suppressed in the sivelestat group (p < 0.05, ANOVA). The duration of mechanical ventilation and the length of ICU stay for the sivelestat group were shorter than that for the control group. We demonstrated that the postoperative decreases in the PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio following esophagectomy were significantly suppressed in the sivelestat-treated group. This clinical study showed that a neutrophil elastase inhibitor may thus be a potentially useful drug for treating acute lung injury following esophagectomy.